Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a popular travel hub on the east coast and is the primary hub for United Airlines. Its close proximity to New York City and affordable flights make it a preferred alternative to JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport). With 11 to 16 nonstop flights to Los Angeles and two flights to Nice, France, EWR is a convenient option for travelers. However, recent events have caused major disruptions at the airport, affecting the travel plans of many.
Air traffic at EWR is monitored from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), even though there is a control tower at Newark. The surrounding 50 airports west of the Hudson River are also monitored from PHL. On the other hand, airports east of the Hudson, such as JFK and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), have their airspace monitored from Long Island. Unfortunately, Newark airport has been facing numerous communication outages between air-traffic control and pilots, bringing attention to the outdated technology and poor facilities. These issues have been compounded by a shortage of air-traffic controllers.
The shortage of controllers has been an ongoing issue, but recent events have brought it to the forefront. Outdated technology and poor facilities have only made the situation worse. Additionally, a major runway at Newark airport is currently under construction, adding to the delays and cancellations. The recent weather in the region has also contributed to the chaos at EWR.
To make matters worse, there is a looming strike by NJ Transit rail workers, specifically the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, scheduled for midnight tonight. Newark airport is a major stop for multiple rail lines, making it a crucial hub for travelers from New York City and New Jersey. This potential strike has been a major concern for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, who has been actively trying to find a resolution.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has addressed the situation in a memo dated May 7, assuring that all flights in and out of EWR are safe. However, he acknowledges that the shortage of controllers and the outdated technology have caused significant delays and cancellations for travelers. According to flightaware.com, there were 501 delays and 132 cancellations at Newark airport yesterday, and today there have already been 391 delays and 142 cancellations.
Kirby also points out that EWR is the only major airport in the world that is not slot-controlled, meaning the number of scheduled flights can exceed the airport’s capacity. In 2016, the FAA de-slotted EWR, which has only worsened the situation. Kirby believes that only the FAA can fix the issues at EWR, but the question remains, who can fix the FAA?
In the meantime, travelers flying in and out of Newark airport can expect delays and cancellations until the issues are resolved. Despite being a “crown jewel” of the region, as described by Kirby, EWR is facing major challenges that need to be addressed by the FAA. As for